Attractions
Other caves, viewpoints, gorges and villages nearby.
Surroundings & Attractions
Discover the beauty of the Slovak Paradise National Park
Dobšiná Ice Cave is part of the Slovak Paradise National Park — a mountain massif full of gorges, waterfalls, forests, and stunning viewpoints. The surrounding area offers numerous hiking trails and attractions for the whole family.
Hiking Trails
The Slovak Paradise offers more than 300 km of marked hiking trails. Explore the magnificent gorges of Suchá Belá, Piecky, or Veľký Sokol with ladders and walkways. Entry to the gorges is charged (adults: the Suchá Belá+ ticket at €4 also covers all other gorges, a ticket for the other gorges only is €3; children under 6 free) and they may only be walked upstream.
- Nature trail to the cave (1 km)
- Stratená — a romantic canyon
- Gorges with ladders and bridges
Viewpoints & Peaks
From several viewpoints in the area, you can admire the stunning panorama of the Slovak Paradise, Gemer Mountains, and surrounding valleys.
- Borovniak — panoramic viewpoint
- Dobšinský kopec — viewpoint over Palcmanská Maša
- Kráľova hoľa — highest peak of the eastern Low Tatras (1,946 m)
Ranch pod Ostrou skalou
Near the cave, there is a ranch with horse and cattle breeding. An ideal place for families with children and nature lovers.
- Horse riding for children and adults
- Farm products
- Relaxation in a natural setting
Slovak Paradise National Park
A national park covering nearly 20,000 hectares, with incredible nature, waterfalls, and more than 350 caves.
- 6 main gorges + Hornád River canyon
- Tarzania rope adventure park
- Cycling routes and cross-country ski trails
The Dobšiná and Stratená Region
Discover the rich history and beauty of the surrounding towns
Town of Dobšiná
A mining town with a rich history
History
Dobšiná was first recorded in 1320 (Dupsina fluvius); in 1326 the Bebek family settled German miners here. According to tradition, the Saxon engineer Daniel Fischer built the first blast furnace here in 1680.
More about Dobšiná
Mining & Industry
Periods of glory and prosperity are linked to the mining of copper and iron ores. In the 19th century Dobšiná had the largest nickel-cobalt ore deposit in Europe. In the 16th century, the town’s development was halted by the Turks, who in 1584 plundered the town and took 352 inhabitants into captivity.
Landmarks
- Gothic Evangelical church from 1480
- Baroque-Classicist church from 1792
- Neo-Renaissance Town Hall from 1870
- Eugen Ruffinyi’s villa (1871) — national cultural monument
Hiking
Dobšiná is the gateway to the Slovak Paradise National Park. The Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising Trail (Devín – Dukla), a major long-distance route, passes nearby over Dobšinský kopec. Marked trails lead from the town to Stolica peak and to Dobšiná Ice Cave (the blue-marked section through the Tiesňavy valley has been closed until further notice since a landslide in December 2023).
1320
Since the 14th century
459 m a.s.l.
Ruffinyi Villa
The Neo-Renaissance villa at Kúpeľná Street 987 was built around 1871 for Eugen Ruffinyi, the discoverer of Dobšiná Ice Cave. Its architect was likely Karol Benko, the designer of the Dobšiná Town Hall. The villa is listed in the Central Register of the Monument Fund under number NKP 10696.
After decades of neglect and abandonment, the town of Dobšiná acquired the villa in 2023 as a gift from a private owner. The town launched a public fundraising campaign for its restoration and plans to turn it into a museum, exhibition space, and visitor information centre for cave visitors.
Village of Stratená
Gateway to the Slovak Paradise
Location
Stratená is a picturesque mountain village in the southern part of the Slovak Paradise, situated in the Hnilec River valley at an altitude of 804 m a.s.l. The village is an important starting point for hiking in all seasons.
More about Stratená
Origin of the Name
This charming mountain hamlet likely takes its name from the Strateník stream, which suddenly disappears underground and reappears approximately 2.5 km further on near Dobšinská Maša. Stratená as an independent village was probably established in the 18th century.
History
In the past, Stratená was a mining settlement known for its blast furnaces built in 1723 by the Csáky family, which later passed into the ownership of the Coburg dynasty. The last blast furnace operated until 1927. Metallurgy and mining have shaped the village’s present-day character.
Tourist Attractions
- Stratená Canyon — the first wheelchair-accessible nature trail in Slovakia
- Dobšiná Ice Cave — one of the largest ice caves in Europe
- Wild gorges and waterfalls — romantic corners of the Slovak Paradise
- Marked hiking trails — a starting point for excursions in the national park
Services
The village offers dining and accommodation options for tourists. It is an ideal base for hiking in the Slovak Paradise in all seasons.
Slovak Paradise
804 m a.s.l.
Tourist centre
Why visit the Dobšiná region?
Rich History
Centuries of mining and metallurgy
Nature
Heart of the Slovak Paradise
Landmarks
Gothic, Baroque, technical heritage
Hiking
300+ km of marked trails
Contact
Official tour information is provided by the cave administration
Slovak Caves Administration
Dobšiná Ice Cave
049 71 Dobšinská Ľadová Jaskyňa, Slovakia
Tel.: +421 58 788 14 70
E-mail: dobslj@ssj.sk
Official information about tours and groups
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